Boating Vacations

Grand Canyon River Rafting

Grand Canyon river rafting has become a hugely popular activity. But, did you know that there are other whitewater spots upstream along the Colorado River that offer a "Grand Canyon-like" experience? We've included two articles on Grand Canyon river rafting, one specifically about THE Grand Canyon, and the other about the "other Grand Canyon" rafting experiences you might not be familiar with which are located upstream in Utah.

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River Rafting in the Grand Canyon
By Kristy Annely

Rafting through the Grand Canyon is the experience of a lifetime. Viewing the canyon from along the rim is a stunning experience on its own, but it pales in comparison to the adventure of riding the river through it. Several river recreation outfitters offer guided rafting tours through the Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon was formed over several million years. An ancestral version of what is now the Colorado River slowly eroded the earth, creating this breathtaking formation. The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The canyon is over 250 miles long and is over a mile deep in some parts.

Grand Canyon river rafting is one of the most fascinating experiences available. Grand Canyon river rafting tours usually run several days and many last more than a week. These tours often include side trips to areas at the bottom of the canyon where travelers near the river. Visitors often stop and examine Native American ruins and fascinating geological formations.

At one time, people who navigated the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon did so at serious risk to their lives. Now that technology and expertise have evolved, it is a safe expedition undertaken by relative novices. There are a variety of options for travelers who want to navigate the Colorado River through the canyon. Some outfitters offer motorized rafts for people who want to see the canyon but who may not be willing or able to paddle a boat through the rapids. Some tours offer Dory tours. Dories are boats similar to those that early Grand Canyon explorers used. These trips take much longer than the motorized raft tours because it takes longer to travel and because they are often more in depth. Truly adventurous souls can experience Grand Canyon river rafting the old fashioned way and go on guided paddle raft tours.

Grand Canyon river rafting is a one of a kind experience. Rafters can examine some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world while navigating one of the continent's greatest rivers.

River Rafting Info provides detailed information on river rafting trips in Washington, Colorado, California and the Grand Canyon, as well as Salmon River in Idaho and Rogue River in Oregon. River Rafting Info is the sister site of Inflatable Boats Web.

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Whitewater River Rafting on the Other Grand Canyons
By Dave Bascom

The Grand Canyon inspires awe and respect from everyone who sees it. Adventurous travelers often want to experience the grandeur of the Grand Canyon up close and personal. There's no better way to see and feel the beauty of the Grand Canyon than on a whitewater rafting trip winding down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.

Many people don't realize that most Grand Canyon river trips take 6-13 days. The time commitment and cost of these river trips keep many would be adventurers from experiencing the thrill of riding the rapids of the Grand Canyon. The shorter trip lengths require either a strenuous, nine mile, 5,000 vertical foot hike in or out of the Grand Canyon. For many this is an integral part of the adventure but for others a barrier to entry.

For travelers with the urge to ride the rapids, but who maybe don't have the time or money, or perhaps can't make the required hike into or out of the Grand Canyon, there are several other spectacular Colorado River canyons upstream that offer a similar experience to what you would find on a Grand Canyon river trip. These other "Grand Canyons" offer a shorter, less expensive, less crowded version of a Grand Canyon trip with the same kind of natural beauty and thrilling rapids. Two of these trips are Westwater Canyon and Cataract Canyon--both are sections of the Colorado River.

Westwater Canyon of the Colorado River is a two or three-day trip. This canyon is often called a miniature Grand Canyon. This segment of the Colorado River is the answer for the person who is short on time but wants it all--including a wilderness canyon so beautiful you'll have no choice but to leave the cares of the world behind. Looking for world-class whitewater? Westwater is sure to please. Virtually unknown 30 years ago, Westwater Canyon has become a favorite river trip for its pace, rhythm, and intensity.

Cataract Canyon is a normally a five to six-day trip. Cataract Canyon is an excellent destination offering Grand Canyon-like scenery and exciting rapids. Cataract Canyon is an anomaly. Its rapids rank along with those of the Grand Canyon in power and difficulty, yet Cataract Canyon contains mile after mile of rafting through canyons where you are awe struck by the deep multicolored canyons of this section of Canyonlands National Park. Enjoy the scenery while you can, but get ready to hang on for the ride with 23 big rapids with names like Mile Long, Ben Hurt and The Big Drops.

Either of these exciting Grand Canyon rafting alternatives will provide you with a fun-filled rafting trip and a lifetime of memories. You'll have a great time, and you'll also find peace as you float down the river and soak up the natural beauty of these canyons.

Dave Bascom is a marketing consulting for Holiday Expeditions. Holiday Expeditions offers Colorado River rafting trips and other river rafting and biking adventures in Colorado, Utah, and Idaho. For more information, visit http://www.bikeraft.com

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Whitewater-River-Rafting-on-the-Other-Grand-Canyons&id=527213










Synonyms: Rand, rGand, GGrand, Gand, Garnd, Grnd, Grnad, Graand, Grad, Gradn, Gran, and Grandd are typos for "Grand." Anyon, aCnyon, Cnyon, Cnayon, Cayon, Caynon, Canon, Canoyn, Canyn, Canyno, and Canyo are typos for Canyon. Afting, arfting, rrafting, rfting, rfating, raafting, rating, ratfing, rafing, rafitng, raftng, raftnig, raftiing, raftig, raftign, raftinng, raftin, and raftingg are typos for "rafting."